About the programme
The Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science is an NZQF level 8 programme at Lincoln University that prepares graduates to take a leading role as New Zealand's agricultural sector adapts to global change. It carries 120 credits and takes 1 year of full-time study, normally two semesters.
Agriculture remains central to the future, and both in New Zealand and internationally the industry is expected to evolve in response to environmental and economic pressures. The programme draws on Lincoln University's international reputation for agricultural science research. Students engage with the latest findings that could make agricultural production more valuable and more sustainable, and learn to apply them to real production systems.
The study plan is entirely elective: students complete 120 credits from 600-level master's courses relevant to agricultural science. There are no compulsory courses, but choices are made with support from the Course Coordinator so that they match the student's interests and the rules of the relevant master's degree. This lets students build the diploma around a particular area, depending on the courses available.
The diploma can be taken as a standalone qualification or used as a step towards a master's degree. It is taught on the Lincoln University campus and suits graduates of a relevant bachelor's degree aiming for careers in research, developing new technology and making primary production systems work better.
Entry requirements
- A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, with at least a B- average in 300-level and final-year courses
- Additional English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
What you study
- 600-level (master's) electives relevant to agricultural science, 120 credits in total
- Course selection with the Course Coordinator
Careers after graduation
- Agricultural research
- Technology development
- Improving primary production systems
- Private companies and organisations serving agriculture and agribusiness
Post-study work visa
About 1 year
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website